"Pax in Nomine Domini" – Peace in the Name of the Lord – is a 12th century poem urging men to
free both Spain and Jerusalem from the Muslims. God, says the poet, has provided men with a sure way to
Heaven; fighting for the preservation of Christendom. Only in the Crusades could man fight for God, and if they refuse the consequences will be dire. All those who will not defend Christians suffering under infidel oppression are unworthy of God.

Pax in Nomine Domini was composed by Marcabrus, one of the earlister known trouabadours. The stanzas below are three stanzas of a much longer song.

It is here performed by Nigel Rogers & The Early Music Consort
of London

Peace be with you, in the name of the Lord.
Marcabrus wrote these words and song.
Hear what he says:
Just as He created us out of His sweetness,
The heavenly Lord
Provided us with a place of Redemption
Such as there never was, except
Across the sea in the Josaphat Valley:
I call you also to free a much closer place [Spain].

Pax in nomine Domini.

In Spain, I say, the good Marquis
And the Templars of Solomon,
They suffer the burden
And the weight of pagan oppression.
TheYouth are beset and put to shame,
The blame for that place of Redemption,
Fall upon the strongest lords,
They are broken, discouraged,
They have neither joy nor leisure.

Pax in nomine Domini.

The French are degenerates
If they refuse the call of God,
To which I come to exort them.
Antioch, Guiana, Poitou.
Mourn the deaths of prowess and worth.
Lord God, in the place where You redeemed us,
Give peace to the soul of the count:
And may the Lord who rose from the grave
Guard Poitiers and Niort.